Saggar fired ceramics: incorporating European lace design

Abstract:

The aim of the Master’s Degree: Ceramic Technology was to produce an innovative body of ceramic work, personal in concept, with reference to South African indigenous ceramics. The main objectives focused on investigating and developing handbuilt forms, a variety of surface decoration techniques and firing methods derived from and inspired by our diverse cultural heritage. Various clay bodies were also developed to construct an innovative range of hand-built and slip cast ceramic products/artefacts, mainly vessels.
The investigation included the development of an improved clay body for hand-built pots suitable for alternative firing methods incorporating a variety of surface techniques.
The research undertaken for the M-Tech celebrates and expatiates technological data on the techniques and traditional approaches of handbuilt ceramics especially as practised by rural potters in designated areas chosen by the researcher. Relationships developed through visits during these investigations established comfortable working relationships, making the exchange of information possible.
As a result, the knowledge and skills gained by the researcher has placed her in a position to enable her to address the needs of the rural community when required, creating opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
Parallel to this investigation was a study directed at developing appropriate ceramic surfaces based on European lace. Various techniques of embossing, incising, sprigging, impressing and glazing were explored to simulate European lace. The idea was to combine the design and construction of hand-built rural crafts in the development of a series of pit-fired ceramic pots. This resulted in a true integration of European and African traditions in the design and development of a body of uniquely South African products.